The Wildcats’ playoff run came to an end in the Class 4A Regional final, as they fell to the Whitman Vikings 57-45 on Wednesday, March 4, finishing the season as regional runners-up for the MCPS West division. The Vikings had already defeated the Wildcats twice during the regular season, with this win extending their streak.
WJ battled throughout the game and had players step up offensively. Sophomore Carter Brooks led the team with 17 points in the regional final, continuing a strong postseason effort and providing a much needed spark for the team’s offense. Senior Jake Forburger put up a strong eight points and six rebounds, keeping the Cats in the game. Despite trailing by four points at halftime with the score 30-26, the Vikings dominated the third quarter and extended their lead to win by 12 points.
After securing a first-round bye in the playoffs, the Wildcats advanced to the regional final by defeating the B-CC Barons 53-42 in the regional semifinal, continuing their strong play against a heated rival. That victory was memorable as it marked the first time WJ had beaten B-CC in the post season in nearly six years, showcasing the trust and growth the team had built throughout the season.
“The team grew closer together as the season went on, and it reflected as we won a lot of close games because of how much trust we had in each other,” Forburger said.
Capping off one of the program’s most successful seasons in recent years, the Cats finished with a 15-7 record. The improvement was significant for a team that went 5-15 just one year ago.
“It’s been an honor to coach these young men,” first-year head coach Chase Rieder said. “I’ve known many of them since they were in elementary school, so seeing their growth from November to March and watching them really turn the program around has been special.”
While the Wildcats ultimately fell short of a regional championship, the season marked a major step forward for the program and demonstrated the development and chemistry of a team that exceeded its expectations.
“Just because we didn’t win the regional final doesn’t mean it wasn’t a successful season,” Rieder said.
